Greyle
Novice
Posts:5
 |
| 01/03/2007 9:03 AM |
 Alert
|
| Maybe this should be more in the survey section but I'm curious how you each introduce someone to what you do. Often with me the topic comes up of my "class". I just tend to describe my regular sessions as "class" as the conversation does not merit the necessary longer description of our sport. However, mentioning my "class" often generates the expected "Oh what are you taking" with the general expectation that it is at the local community college or something like that. Then I end up expaining the WMA, Italian rapier and swordfighting. Not that I'm going to be able to use a single term to avoid that but I'm just wondering if there is a common term and also how you introduce the concept.
I find myself sometimes starting with WMA and working from there down to the more specific rapier. Other times I start with swordfighting and then provide the broader context of the WMA and then the specifics of the Italian rapier.
What do you call yourself? A rapier combatant? A rapierista? A swordfighter? A martial artist of the western style?
Greyle |
|
|
|
|
Alvarro
Too many posts...
Posts:301
|
| 01/03/2007 10:13 AM |
Alert
|
I use the historical term: Fencer.
And then I just enjoy the confusion when I talk about wrestling.  |
|
Prudence. Temperance. Fortitude. Justice. |
|
|
Greyle
Novice
Posts:5
|
| 01/03/2007 10:33 AM |
Alert
|
| I tried the "fencing" route but it seemed to cause much more confusion than necessary or left them with the wrong impression (ie olympic style fencing) so I found it more effective to use another term. In fact one of those discussions is what prompted this post.
Thanks for the input. I thought there would be at least a few folks that use "fencing" especially (as you point out) considering it's historical reference to what we do. |
|
|
|
|
RuaidhriMacCuileann
Free Scholar
Posts:59
|
| 01/03/2007 11:30 AM |
Alert
|
I usually refer to it as "historical fencing" or "historical swordplay." Then I get into specifics. Sometimes, I like to say that I'm learning how to get authentically medieval on someone's... uh... posterior. That's usually in connection with my longsword and CQC pursuits.
Regards,
W. Scott Simmons
aka Ruaidhri Mac Cuileann dal gCais
Cadet to Don Tyrus of Misty Haven
|
|
|
|
|
Arffuidsson
Free Scholar
Posts:68
|
| 01/03/2007 6:15 PM |
Alert
|
Greetings,
I usually tell them that I study Western Martial Arts. If they ask for a more in depth description, I explain that over the past decade or so there have been quite a few manuals found and there is resurgence in the study of these manuals. I give them a couple of dates and (briefly) what they contained. Fiore is one of my favorites to mention.
In Service to the West,
Staffan Arffuidsson
|
|
|
|
|
warwick
Provost
Posts:124
|
| 01/03/2007 10:12 PM |
Alert
|
I say Fencing, WMA, Princess Bride. Not olympic - swords that weigh pounds rather than ounces. Then I invite them to our practice.
|
|
|
|
|